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Scramble through Goblin Valley's iconic hoodoos before rappelling into the gothic-chambered Goblins Lair. This family-friendly canyoneering adventure with Get In The Wild Adventures reveals a side of Utah’s desert wilderness few get to see.
Scramble through Goblin Valley's iconic hoodoos before rappelling into the gothic-chambered Goblins Lair. This family-friendly canyoneering adventure with Get In The Wild Adventures reveals a side of Utah’s desert wilderness few get to see.
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Operated by Get In The Wild Adventures · Hanksville, Utah
Goblin Valley State Park, located in southeastern Utah near Hanksville, is a geological playground famous for its eerie hoodoo formations—aptly named goblins—that scatter the desert floor like alien sentinels. Here, Get In The Wild Adventures offers the Goblin's Lair Canyoneering Adventure, a half-day excursion that goes beyond the typical hike. Participants start by scrambling over sandstone formations through the Valley of the Goblins, a landscape dotted with mushroom-shaped rocks carved by wind and water over millions of years. The real thrill begins when the trail leads into a narrow slot canyon, where the terrain tightens and shadows deepen.
Equipped with harnesses and ropes, adventurers rappel into the Goblin's Lair, a cavernous chamber with towering walls that resemble a gothic cathedral. The combination of natural cathedral-like arches and dramatic rock textures creates an atmosphere that is both awe-inspiring and humbling. This distinctive geological feature, sometimes called the Chamber of the Basilisk, highlights the rare experience offered here—a marriage of technical canyoneering and engaging natural history.
Get In The Wild Adventures stands out for their emphasis on family-friendly outings, making technical outdoor experiences accessible without compromising on excitement or safety. Their guided trips provide the perfect balance of adventure and education, introducing visitors to the unique eolian sandstone landscape while fostering a connection with the rugged terrain.
For outdoor enthusiasts seeking an immersive adventure nestled in Utah’s grand desert scenery, this trip offers an unforgettable opportunity to engage with a lesser-known but spectacular element of the region’s natural heritage. Whether it’s the scramble over hoodoos or the rappel into the dark inner chamber, Goblin's Lair is a destination that demands attention from every seeker of wild landscapes.
moderate.
3–4 hours.
Participants should have decent aerobic fitness and be comfortable with scrambling on uneven rock as well as using basic rappel techniques.
Yes, the trip is designed to be family-friendly, but children should be comfortable with light scrambling and following guide instructions.
No prior experience is necessary; guides provide all training and safety equipment required.
Bring sturdy footwear, sun protection, plenty of water, and wear clothing suitable for desert conditions.
Moderate fitness is recommended due to scrambling and rappelling, but the guides pace the trip for a comfortable experience.
Cell service can be spotty; guides are trained in first aid, and emergency protocols are in place.
Cancellation policies are managed by Get In The Wild Adventures; please contact them directly for details.
Goblin Valley State Park was established in 1964 and is renowned for its unique, wind-eroded hoodoos that some say resemble goblins.
Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles to protect this fragile sandstone environment from erosion and human impact.
Get In The Wild Adventures is a Utah-based guiding company specializing in canyoneering, backpacking, and cultural tours across Southern Utah's redrock country. The company offers a broad roster of experiences ranging from 1-day Introduction to Canyoneering trips up to multi-day Technical Canyoneering Courses and Canyoneering Basecamp Expeditions. Programs include vehicle-supported basecamps, hands-on workshops, and specialty courses such as Advanced Anchor and keeper-pothole rescue instruction. Instruction is delivered in outdoor classrooms and real canyon settings like Bluejohn Canyon and technical routes including Leprechaun and Mindbender. Courses teach rope skills, anchor systems, rappelling, pothole escapes, and group leadership techniques. Additional offerings include backpacking excursions, a Red Rock Yoga and Hiking Retreat, Wild West & Outlaw Tours that explore historical outlaw sites, and logistical services like vehicle shuttles. Get In The Wild Adventures emphasizes safety, practical skills, and small-group learning. Expert instructors focus on progressive skill development — from introductory rappels and gear selection to advanced physics-based anchor building for Class 3B canyons. Trip formats include single-day outings, weekend workshops, and extended basecamp expeditions, making options accessible to beginners and advanced participants alike. All program descriptions, locations, and technical ratings are program-specific and tied to Southern Utah landscapes such as the Robbers Roost Wilderness and the San Rafael Swell. Customers can expect structured curricula, hands-on practice, and opportunities to explore remote wilderness while developing confidence and leadership in canyoneering and backcountry travel.
Book with Get In The Wild Adventures